SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has recovered N759.35 million and $14,901.80 through refunds and billing adjustments for consumers who suffered losses or were involved in disputes with businesses over the past six years.
The agency also disclosed that it had successfully resolved 10,720 out of the 11,120 consumer complaints received across different sectors, including banking, aviation, real estate, e-commerce, logistics, telecommunications, and public utilities.
LASCOPA’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, revealed the figures while reviewing his six-year tenure, having been appointed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on November 5, 2020.
According to Solebo, 250 complaints are still undergoing mediation, while another 150 have been referred to relevant regulatory agencies for further action.
He explained that the recovered funds represented money returned to consumers and billing adjustments secured following complaints involving alleged unfair business practices and other commercial disputes.
“Our core mission has always been to ensure that no resident of Lagos is cheated or compromised in the marketplace,” Solebo said.
He attributed the agency’s achievements partly to its decision to decentralize operations by establishing eight annex offices across the state, including Badagry, Ikorodu, Bariga, and Ikoyi-Obalende.
He noted that bringing consumer protection services closer to residents had made it easier for ordinary people to seek redress without facing the inconvenience of travelling long distances.
The agency is also engaging local government authorities to secure additional office locations ahead of 2027 as part of efforts to expand its reach.
Beyond resolving complaints, LASCOPA said it had stepped up market surveillance across Lagos’ 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.
Solebo disclosed that 437 notices of non-compliance had been issued to supermarkets and retail outlets over alleged violations, including misleading product labels, failure to provide essential product information, and displaying goods without price tags.
He said initiatives such as the ‘No Price Tag, No Sales’ campaign were designed to improve transparency and ensure businesses comply with consumer protection laws.
The agency also strengthened its enforcement partnership with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Abuja on April 21, 2026. The agreement provides for improved evidence sharing, joint enforcement, and coordinated market interventions.
On revenue generation, Solebo revealed that LASCOPA generated more than N20 million for the state government between January and September 2026, surpassing its annual target of N10 million.
Looking ahead, the agency plans to sustain unannounced factory inspections, product safety research with accredited laboratories, and public awareness campaigns across radio, television, and social media.
Solebo urged Lagos residents who experience unfair treatment in the marketplace to report such incidents through the agency’s toll-free line, 080 0005 2726.
He assured residents that LASCOPA would continue holding manufacturers, retailers, and service providers accountable for violations of consumer rights.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
